Catching Up With Infielder Sean Miller

Sean Miller may not be a household name to all Twins fans, but the infielder has done a nice job so far in the Arizona Fall League. He has hit hit .333 as he has ten hits through his first eight games. Miller, the Twins 10th-round pick in 2015 out of USC-Aiken, turned 23 three weeks ago and spent the 2017 season with the Ft. Myers Miracle playing both middle infield positions.

Image courtesy of Linwood Ferguson (photo of Sean Miller)

In June of 2016, I interviewed Sean Miller in Cedar Rapids. Today, we catch up with him and discuss his 2017 season, his time in the Arizona Fall League and more.

Again, thank you to Sean for taking time out of his busy Arizona schedule to answer our questions. Let’s get to it.

Seth Stohs (SS): Let’s start with where you are now. How did you find out about being invited to the Arizona Fall League? Is it something you had thought about growing up or in the minor leagues?

Sean Miller (SM): I found out when I was at the mall with my girlfriend. Lep (Twins minor league coordinator Joel Lepel) called me, and it was such a great, rewarding feeling. Obviously it's something I've always read about and imagined myself doing! And now that I have the opportunity to be a part of the AFL, I'm just trying to take it all in.

SS: Before heading to Arizona, what were some of your goals, or what did you want to try to accomplish in the Fall League?

SM: My goals before heading here were to try and extend my at-bats. I have the same goal I've always had, which is to hopefully prove some people wrong.

SS: The AFL season is about half over. What has the experience been like so far, and what have you found out about yourself from playing there so far?

SM: The AFL experience has been awesome. I've already made lifelong friends. I've honestly found out that keeping a positive outlook on this game can change your own outlook on everything.

SS: It’s been a couple of months since the end of the regular season, have you been able to put together your overall thoughts on your 2017 season in Ft. Myers?

SM: My overall thoughts on the 2017 season are all positive! Playing for Doug (Mientkiewicz), Sing (Miracle hitting coach Steve Singleton), and Henry (Bonilla, pitching coach) was the most fun I've ever had playing ball. I've matured more as a player this year than I could have ever imagined.

SS: You played a lot of shortstop and second base, but you also got to play a little in center field. What was it like standing out there for a few games?

SM: At first, playing center field was crazy to me. But the more I was out there, the easier it got. Doug told me to play it like I was playing in the backyard which made it easier.

SS: Tell me a little bit about playing for Doug Mientkiewicz and the coaches in Ft. Myers this year.

SM: Like I said earlier, playing for Doug, Sing, and Henry was the most fun I've had playing the game. Those guys love what they do, and their passion for the game spreads to the players. playing for Doug, Henry, and Sing was an absolute blast. This year flew by playing for them.

SS: What was the atmosphere like, especially in the second half when the Miracle took off and made their run into the playoffs?

SM: The second half was so much fun. We were lucky enough to get some studs on our team to help us make a run. That shows us how deep this org really is. The atmosphere was great. We just played good baseball. Obviously winning was expected, but we actually learned how to win and play the game the right way.

SS: In your opinion, what are your strengths on the field? What areas have you made the most improvement in?

SM: I think my strengths on the field are that I can play defense with anybody, at any position. I'm trying to improve my ABs, And put some offensive numbers up like I know I can.

SS: What are some areas of your game that you focused on in the AFL and will be throughout your offseason?

SM: I'm trying to focus on the pitchers, and position players I'm getting a chance to play with and against. The guys down here are just so good, I try to make improvements on my game based on what I learn watching these guys play.

SS: Whether on the baseball field or elsewhere, what is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

SM: The best piece of advice I have been given is from my dad, who played pro ball for six years. He's always told me things went south for him when he lived in the past, or in the future. So regardless of what's going on with anything that has to do with baseball, I try to take it day by day. Obviously this isn't just baseball advice, this is the way I try to live life.

SS: What are some of the things you do to get away from baseball? Any big, fun plans for once your offseason starts after the AFL?

SM: The one thing I really enjoy is playing golf. I'll go out at 4 pm and play nine holes by myself three days a week. That's a week to week thing because golf frustrates me more than anything besides baseball.

Thank you to Sean Miller for taking time out of his busy Arizona schedule to answer our questions. Please feel free to discuss in the comments below.

3 Comments

I guess the folklore that playing golf ruins your baseball swing isn't in fashion anymore?

Yeah, when I was growing up and through high school, I always was told the golfing could mess up my swing. Of course, I was also told not to lift much. I was also told to hit the ball hard and low (Line drives and vicious ground balls).

Yeah, when I was growing up and through high school, I always was told the golfing could mess up my swing. Of course, I was also told not to lift much. I was also told to hit the ball hard and low (Line drives and vicious ground balls).